Miss Rwanda Arrested for Repeat Offense of Drink-Driving and Hit-and-Run Incident

Rwandan beauty queen Divine Muheto, winner of the last Miss Rwanda pageant, has been arrested on charges of drink-driving and operating a vehicle without a valid license. According to Rwandan police, Muheto was involved in an accident that damaged public infrastructure, and she allegedly fled the scene. Details on whether anyone was injured remain undisclosed.

This arrest marks the 21-year-old’s second reported instance of driving under the influence, as confirmed by Rwandan authorities. Speculation had circulated about Muheto’s detention, and on Tuesday, police confirmed her arrest, revealing that she was detained over a collision incident. Her case is set to be heard in a Kigali court on Thursday, according to a spokesperson from the prosecution.

Muheto rose to prominence in 2022 when she claimed the Miss Rwanda title. However, the beauty pageant has since been suspended due to allegations of sexual misconduct involving its organizers, leading to heightened scrutiny around the competition and its participants. In Rwanda, the penalty for drink-driving includes a fine of 150,000 Rwandan francs (about $110) and a mandatory five-day detention in police custody.

Thousands have faced arrest under these laws as police tighten traffic law enforcement across the country, which has notably reduced fatal accidents on Rwandan roads. Just last year, a Rwandan parliament member also resigned after a drink-driving incident, highlighting the government’s increased commitment to road safety and accountability.

Muheto has yet to publicly respond to the arrest, but her case is set to unfold under the watchful eyes of a nation that has seen notable figures held accountable under its new, stricter traffic regulations.